What a performance last night by the Detroit Tigers, who facing a must-win situation and all kinds of injuries seized control of Game 3 of the ALCS and beat the Texas Rangers, 5-2. Can they do it again?

Injuries once again are the story for the Tigers. Incredibly, both Victor Martinez and Delmon Young are in the lineup today. Martinez strained a ribcage muscle on a home-run swing last night; Young, of course, has been dealing with a strained oblique muscle since Game 5 of the ALDS.

The Rangers are dealing with their own injured slugger. Adrian Beltre, who fouled a couple of balls off his left leg last night, is back in the lineup…

I know that mlb would probably have loved a yankee/s phils world series – especially for their tv ratings, but I am loving watching these real, gritty, ballplayers go about their business. It's not just Pujols, Hamilton, Braun, Fielder, but lots of unknown guys.They are just out there grinding it out day after day doing whatever they have to do to win. Contrast that with Gerardi on tv yesterday basically saying that Detroit won because it was a short series and they got lucky. Wah, wah, wah. Really classy, Joe. I have been inspired by these guys giving their all and a different guy stepping up each day. I have no idea who is going to win on any given day and I think that's the way it's supposed to be. Can't wait to see what happens!

Swami:I agree – lots of solid baseball by lots of people I have not really seen. Was also impressed with the number of players playing hurt. Liked the quotes from the Tigers about Martinez and how he would have to be dead to not be in the lineup the next day. If the Tigers win tonight are they in the drivers seat?Who would have picked Detroit/Arizona. Not saying they are going but that is who I am rooting for.

When Atlanta and Boston choked I began to feel that there is hope for this generation yet. When the Yankees and Phills lost in round 1 of the playoffs this became even more hopeful. As far as I'm concerned any of these 4 teams can win (with the possible exception of the Cards; I don't like LaRussa) and things will be all right with the world. Now that the Yankees lost 2 years in a row you can bet they will attack the off season with wallets blazing starting with paying CC whatever the heck he wants. On the bright side ARod is coming off the books in 6 years at the age of 42 and they only owe him about $150 mil.

jc – I don't like LaRussa either, although he has been less whiny and manipulative as the games go on. I feel that I am between the proverbial rock and a hard place because I wouldn't really like to see Nyger get into the ws. I don't usually watch American League baseball, but their games have had a National League feel to them. As a big fan of fairness I was happy to see that the top teams in baseball as far as payroll goes were all eliminated early or not in it at all. They just don't get it that money can't buy you a ring – sometimes a collection of highly paid rock stars just doesn't gel into a team. I think some of the success stories we are seeing now are really good examples of actual TEAMS.

I think "Alberta" will make sure Nyjer watches the World Series from California…Poor MLB! Texas game is postponed and it doesn't rain. Now we are waiting out the rain delay in Detroit. How's the weather in St. Louis?